Watch Bertie & Elizabeth

Bertie & Elizabeth is a biographical drama film released in 2002. The movie showcases the life of King George VI (played by James Wilby) and his wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (played by Juliet Aubrey) as they ascend to the throne of England amid the turmoil of the Second World War. The movie is directed by Giles Foster and features Alan Bates and Eileen Atkins in supporting roles.

The movie starts with the abdication of King Edward VIII as George VI takes over the crown. However, George struggles with a severe stammer that makes public speaking difficult, which has a detrimental effect on his duties as king. Elizabeth supports her husband by seeking out the help of Lionel Logue (played by Bates), a speech therapist from Australia. Through a series of unconventional speech exercises, George slowly works to overcome his stammer to become an effective leader.

The movie beautifully portrays the relationship between George and Elizabeth as they navigate their duties and personal lives, including their struggles to balance the duties of royalty with the more mundane tasks of raising their children, including young Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen of England. The movie shows how their steadfast love and support for each other helped them overcome their struggles and become one of the most beloved monarchs in British history.

One of the highlights of the movie is the performances of the actors, especially James Wilby as King George VI, who brings a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth to his portrayal. Juliet Aubrey is equally impressive as Elizabeth, portraying her as a strong-willed and caring partner to George. Alan Bates as Lionel Logue also deserves recognition for his nuanced portrayal of the speech therapist, bringing both humor and gravitas to his role.

Apart from its portrayal of the royal family, the movie also highlights the tumultuous period in history, including the Second World War and its impact on the United Kingdom. The movie depicts cities being bombed and the royal family staying in The Buckingham Palace during the war. The movie also highlights the bond between the king and his people, as he stands with them during their darkest hour and provides encouragement through his broadcasts.

The movie is visually stunning and features magnificent costumes and settings. The production design is especially noteworthy, with attention to detail that creates a rich tapestry of the royal life in the 1930s and 1940s.

In conclusion, Bertie & Elizabeth is a moving biographical drama that tells the story of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during one of the most challenging periods in British history. It highlights the strength of their relationship and their unwavering commitment to the country and its people. The actors deliver commendable performances, and the movie is well-crafted with beautiful cinematography, costumes, and production design. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the British monarchy.

Bertie & Elizabeth is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.